Amazon River Dolphin Facts

Also called the Boto Dolphin, the Amazon River Dolphin can be pink or gray in color. They are a freshwater dolphin (there are 5 known species in the world) and are the largest of the freshwater dolphins. Loss of habitat has caused them to become an endangered species. Their diet consists of 43 species of 19 families of fish, this is why they have developed three stomachs to digest these bony fish, turtles, etc. They have an unfused vertebra in their spine so they can more their heads from side to side.No other cetacean has this unfused vertebra.

Amazon River Dolphin Habitat: South America in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems.

They are known in Peru as “Bufeo Colorado” but the correct name is “Bufeo Rosado,” meaning pink, not red. The Amazon River Dolphin is also known as “boto”.They can be up to 9 feet long or more and usually weigh between 190-285 pounds.Their echo-location ability is excellent.During the rainy season, when the Amazon River floods, they swim amongst the rainforest trees, which are under water.

Amazon River Dolphin Diet: Crabs, shrimp and other fish (especially piranha and the armored catfish).

Unlike most dolphin species, boto does not have a dorsal fin, but has a ridge on its back.The Amazon River Dolphin is born a dark gray, but gets pinker as it gets older. Scientists are not quite sure why.They often hunt and feed alone, but are sometimes found in groups of 5-8.Baby dolphins are called “calves”.

Amazon River Dolphin Enemies: Humans. Fishermen nets.

A special thanks to Roxanne Kremer for looking over and contributing much of the above information. She has spent most of her life studying and “living” with the Amazon River Dolphin.